Sleep Apnea & Your Weight in Reading, PA
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Contact UsWhat Is the Link Between Sleep Apnea and Your Weight?
One of the side effects of sleep apnea is weight gain, but it’s important to remember that weight gain is also a primary cause of sleep apnea. If sleep apnea is left untreated, fat accumulation tends to continue and your sleep apnea is likely to worsen. This causes a cycle where one problem continuously exacerbates the other.
For this reason, Dr. Stephen Sulzbach of The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center wants patients to understand the link between sleep apnea and weight. That way, patients can take steps to stop the cycle of gaining weight and sleep apnea. Keep reading to learn more about the link between weight gain and sleep apnea and how we can help you treat both problems at our Reading, PA office.
What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSP), the most common form of sleep apnea, is caused by the soft tissues in your throat and oral cavity collapsing into the back of your throat while you sleep. These soft tissues narrow your airways, making it harder for you to breathe and causing your brain to jolt your body awake multiple times. When you’re overweight, fat deposits in your neck can narrow these passages even further, making your sleep apnea worse.
What Is the Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Exhaustion?
Even if you set aside hormonal changes, sleep deprivation makes people tired. Without proper rest, you’re less likely to have the motivation or the energy to exercise. What’s more, even if you do exercise, you’re less likely to do so efficiently, which means you’re burning fewer calories. The combination of physical and hormonal changes often leads to gaining more fatty tissue around the abdomen and throat, which in turn makes sleep apnea symptoms worse. This begins the cycle of sleep apnea leading to the accumulation of excess fatty tissues, leading to worsening sleep apnea and putting on even more weight.
What Is the Link Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Hormonal Changes?
While gaining weight can make sleep apnea worse, sleep apnea can cause weight gain. Sleep deprivation, a common side effect of sleep apnea, suppresses the production of leptin and increases the production of ghrelin. Leptin is a hormone that regulates fat storage for long-term maintenance of healthy weight and ghrelin is a hormone that tells your brain you’re hungry. When you aren’t getting quality sleep, you’re more likely to accumulate fat, feel hungry more often, and experience higher cravings for sweets and carbs.
This set of circumstances is doubly true for patients who have a genetic disposition toward obesity. Genetic factors that encourage excess fat accumulation and being overweight can worsen this cycle, even if you strictly regulate your diet.
How Can The Cycle Between Weight Gain and Sleep Apnea Be Broken?
The best way to begin breaking the cycle of obesity and worsening sleep apnea is to seek professional treatment. Sleep expert Dr. Sulzbach offers sleep apnea solutions at his Reading, PA office that can help alleviate symptoms and suit your unique needs. Common treatments Dr. Sulzbach may offer include:
- Continuous positive airway pressure machines (CPAP)
- Oral appliance therapy
- Treatment with Inspire®
Will Weight Loss Help Reduce Sleep Apnea?
Losing weight can help open up your airways and alleviate sleep apnea symptoms. Weight loss doesn’t have to involve going to the gym every day or giving up all the foods you love. Simple changes such as taking walks, eating more nuts and seeds, and drinking more water can help get your weight down to a healthy level.
Before beginning any diet or exercise regimen, sleep dentist Dr. Sulzbach urges you to consult with a medical professional, such as your primary care provider or a nutritionist first. They’ll help compose a diet and exercise plan for you that will be both safe and effective.
The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center of Pennsylvania Reviews
Dr. Sulzbach helped me with my sleep apnea and snoring. My wife is so much happier now!
I have had the luck and the pleasure of seeing Dr. Salzbach on several occasions. An extremely knowledgeable and professional, who truly does care about his patients. He takes the time to explain options, procedures to you in a way that you've understand and is very up front. I would highly recommend anytime to anyone.
Dr. Sulzbach and Corrine Lambert were amazing in taking care of my sleep apnea needs. I can’t wait to see how much improvement there is with the new device.
I have sleep apnea and felt awful for years. Just constantly tired. I can't wear the cpap. I tried but I just hate the thing. Dr Steve made a dental appliance and I am sleeping through the night without even snoring for the first time in probably 20 years. He's really laid back but straight to the point.
I have been going to Dr. Steve for years. He is a competent and wonderful dentist. It is a shame what Harrisburg tried to do to him. I guess when they need a scape goat to further their agenda they don't care who they try to hurt in the process. Rest assured he is by far the best dentist I have ever gone to and goes beyond the standard of care!
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How Does Sleeping on Your Side Help Reduce Sleep Apnea?
Sleeping on your back makes it more likely that your oral tissues will collapse back into your throat, blocking your airways and triggering sleep apnea symptoms. Try sleeping on your side or on your stomach instead. This simple change can help reduce symptoms and make it easier for you to get a good night’s rest.
Does Alcohol Cause Sleep Apnea?
Did you know that alcohol consumption inhibits weight loss and contributes to sleep apnea? Alcohol is high in carbs and sugar, inhibits the function of organs that process food and substances, and relaxes your throat muscles, which makes breathing more difficult. Alcohol can also lead to poor food choices due to the disruption of cognitive function and decision-making. Overall, one of the best things you may be able to do for yourself to break the cycle between obesity and sleep apnea is to limit or cease alcohol consumption altogether, especially before bedtime.
Learn More About Sleep Apnea and TMJ Center
About UsEnd the Cycle Between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain
At The Sleep Apnea and Craniofacial Pain Center, we know how difficult it can be to end the cycle of obesity and worsening sleep apnea. Fortunately, sleep expert Dr. Stephen Sulzbach offers effective solutions to stop sleep apnea from getting worse due to excess fat.
We’ll work with you to help you find effective solutions so you can get the sleep you need to be healthy and energized. We proudly serve patients from our home location of Reading, as well as surrounding locations such as Leesport, Kutztown, and New Morgan, PA.
If you're looking for a sleep apnea doctor near you, contact our Reading, PA office. You can also fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Sleep Apnea & Weight FAQs
Does weight loss cure sleep apnea?
It’s important to remember that obstructive sleep apnea is the only form of sleep apnea where weight loss may be an effective solution. Weight loss can usually help alleviate symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, but it’s not likely to completely eliminate the disorder. Weight loss is often paired with other treatments like CPAP and oral appliance therapy to increase the effectiveness of treatment and help reduce symptoms in the long term.
Should I undergo weight loss surgery for sleep apnea?
Surgery is usually best utilized after all other options have been exhausted. If your obesity is medically complicated or you find that you’re having serious issues losing weight, consult with your primary care provider. They’ll help you understand your unique health needs, your other options, and whether or not weight loss surgery is a safe and effective option for treating your sleep apnea.
Can treating sleep apnea help me lose weight?
Treating sleep apnea may help you lose weight, which often helps reduce symptoms of sleep apnea. Sleep specialist Dr. Sulzbach offers numerous solutions for sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy, the Inspire® device, and CPAP to help you get the good night’s rest you need to be more active and healthy. If you’re interested in sleep apnea treatment as a way to lose weight, schedule an appointment at our Wyomissing office.
Which weight loss method is best for treating sleep apnea?
Every patient is different, so the weight loss method you should use to treat sleep apnea is likely to vary. Please remember that rapid weight loss can be dangerous and no diet or exercise regimen should begin without consultation from a medical professional. Your primary care provider or a nutritionist can help you figure out what you need to safely and effectively lose weight and maintain a healthy weight going forward.